Gemotions

"Look, it's you!" His sister, beaming, pointed at the glossy page in the admissions brochure. His essay, the one about learning to play the oboe, was the featured piece. He mumbled a congratulations, a dull ache in his chest, as if a physical weight pressed on him. He felt the familiar sting of envy. His sister was heading off to her dream school, while he was working at a car wash. He excused himself, citing a sudden headache. He retreated to his room, where he sat in the dark. He felt a profound sense of isolation, alone with his disappointment. The celebratory chatter from downstairs grated on his nerves.